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Editor: Tim O'Brien
Profession: Attorney at Law

Category: Fosamax News

With more than 44 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, it is important to stay informed about the risks of drugs that treat this bone loss problem. A May 20 article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel expresses the concerns many doctors have over the popular drug Fosamax for their osteoporosis patients.

Millions of Fosamax prescriptions are being filled each year, and more cases of osteonecrosis, or the rotting of the jaw, are appearing. Almost 70 percent of those affected by osteoporosis are women.

Osteonecrosis, or dead bone, affects the jaws, teeth and face. It's a nasty disease in which bacteria can actually eat away at the bones of the jaw. Sufferers of osteonecrosis often must endure painful surgeries and may experience disfigurement, numbness and severe pain.

Here is some helpful patient information reported in the Sun-Sentinel article mentioned above:

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF OSTEONECROSIS?

Pain, swelling and gum infections, loosening teeth, poor healing of gums after dental work, numbness or heavy feeling in jaw.

WHAT PATIENTS CAN DO?
Tell your dentist if you are taking bisphosphonates.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of such drugs for you.
If you need major oral surgery in the future, do not start taking bisphosphonates until at least two months afterward or ask your dentist if nonsurgical endodontic treatments can be substituted for surgery.
Have regular dental checkups.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
The National Institute of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center. Go to: www.niams.nih.gov/bone. Or call 800-624-2663.
The American Association of Endodontists. Go to www.aae.org. Or call 800-872-3636.
The American Dental Association. Go to www.ada.org. Or call 312-440-2500.